Nuno Santos aims to win everything with Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nuno Santos says his ambition is to win every possible trophy with the club after making an impressive start to life at Chloorkop.

Despite being at the club for only a short period, the Portuguese midfielder has already shown enough quality to establish himself as one of the key players to watch this season.

Sundowns, known for consistently scouting beyond South Africa’s borders, were hit by the unexpected departure of star attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa at the start of the campaign. Ribeiro had become a central figure for the Brazilians last season, also winning the Player of the Year award.

While Santos offers a different profile, he has quickly proven to be a valuable addition, with his classy opening goal against Saint Eloi Lupopo in their group-stage opener offering a further look into his special talent.

With the Brazilians now focusing on their upcoming clash against MC Alger this Friday — led by former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena — the Portuguese midfielder says he has enjoyed his early days at the club and is determined to achieve major success in the colours of the league champions as he continues to settle into life in South Africa.

“I am adapting to the team better than I thought. They welcomed me very well and I am thankful for everyone that made me feel at home since I came here,” Santos said.

“So far, so good. I played two games against Remo Stars and we did very well in those two games, and now the first game of the group stages, and I am very happy for the team.

“I want to win everything. I am a person that always thinks about the next game and not so much about the future. The goal is there and the mind is there, but game by game we will get there.”

After Sundowns finished last season as runners-up in the continental competition, the aim will naturally be to go one step further, and Santos said he had no hesitation joining a club with such consistent success over the years.

“Sundowns is the biggest club in South Africa, and one of the biggest in Africa. I felt like the club really wanted me, so when you feel that, it’s easier to make those types of decisions.”

The midfielder also revealed that his countryman, head coach Miguel Cardoso, played a significant role in convincing him to make the move to this part of the world by giving him insight into what to expect.

“He (Cardoso) had an influence because he is a Portuguese coach. It’s easier when you are in Portugal or Europe — there are not too many players who come to South Africa — and also to have a Portuguese coach who speaks the same language. He gave me advice about how things are here, and it made everything much easier for me.”

Although the 26-year-old has had a positive start, he acknowledges that he still needs to adjust to the physical demands of the PSL.

“It’s different, very different, but I am trying to adapt as fast as I can. Obviously, I still have to grow in those types of moments, but I think I am doing pretty well,” he concluded.